309 days ago by naturebydawn | 47 views | 0 barks

Another Vet Visit

Maya went to the vet last week because she had diarrhea.  She had no other symptoms other than the softer stool.  She was just as playful, she wasn't dehydrated, and her appetite was the same.  So the vet recommended i/d prescription diet for three days for all meals.  It helped and Maya's condition improved.  However, the diarrhea was back on the fifth day.  So, I took her to the vet again.  They tested her for Giardia.  Sure enough, Maya tested positive.  What's funny, is Maya just had her shots for this a month or so ago.  The vet said that the shots for Giardia are not 100% effective but the shots certainly helped keep Maya's symptoms from being worse.  And since Maya had her shots for this, the test, the prescription medicine, and the vet visit was 100% free!

Giardia is an intestinal parasite that can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, depression, weight loss, and decreased appetite.  Both people and pets can get this parasite.  They can get it from contaminated water or food.  Dogs should not be allowed to drink water from a puddle and Maya tries to drink from puddles all the time.  Pets can even get Giardia by licking their paws after walking in contaminated areas.  I think Maya may have gotten it while she was still in th animal shelter because Sephi did not get it.

But all is well.  Maya's symptoms are not that bad and I think it will just be a few days and she will be 100% better.